Phil Collins, the legendary drummer and frontman of Genesis, revealed he requires round-the-clock medical care as he continues to grapple with a cascade of health problems that have plagued him for nearly two decades.
The 74-year-old musician disclosed in an interview with Zoe Ball that he now has a 24-hour live-in nurse to ensure he takes his medication properly. The candid conversation offered a sobering glimpse into the physical toll that decades of performing have taken on the British rock icon.
“I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I take my medication as I should,” Collins told Ball. “I’ve had challenges with my knee. I had everything that could go wrong with me did go wrong with me.”
Collins has undergone five knee surgeries, leaving him with only one working knee. He now walks with crutches or assistance, a dramatic change for someone who spent decades behind the drum kit delivering energetic performances to millions of fans worldwide.
The health complications extend beyond his mobility issues. Collins contracted COVID while hospitalized, and his kidneys began to fail, with multiple problems converging simultaneously. The kidney problems, he acknowledged, stemmed from a prolonged period of heavy drinking.
Collins explained that he drank during the day and fell over a couple of times. The drinking contributed to his kidney problems that required extensive medical intervention.
The accumulation of health issues led to Collins spending months in hospital. However, he recently celebrated two years of sobriety, marking a significant milestone in his recovery journey.
Collins’ health struggles began in 2007 when he suffered a spinal injury that would set off a chain of medical problems. He underwent neck surgery in 2009, followed by another spine surgery in 2015, but the procedures left him with lingering nerve damage. This nerve damage resulted in a condition called drop foot, which makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot and causes it to drag while walking.
The nerve damage also severely impacted Collins’ ability to perform his signature skill: drumming. He can no longer hold drumsticks properly, effectively ending his career as one of rock music’s most distinctive percussionists. Collins also lives with type 2 diabetes, adding another layer to his complex medical situation.
In 2022, Collins retired from performing following Genesis’ final farewell tour. During that tour, he performed seated in a chair rather than standing, and his son Nic Collins took over drum duties in his father’s place. The role reversal represented a poignant passing of the torch for the Collins family, with Nic stepping into the position his father had held for decades.
Despite the physical limitations and the emotional toll of stepping away from performing, Collins maintains a philosophical outlook on his situation. When asked about the possibility of returning to music, he hinted at unfinished music projects that might eventually see the light of day.
Collins’ career achievements stand as a testament to his enormous impact on popular music. He has won eight Grammy Awards, including album of the year in 1986 and record of the year in 1991. His Oscar-winning song “You’ll Be in My Heart” showcased his ability to craft emotionally resonant ballads that transcended genre boundaries. In 2010, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis.
Throughout his career, Collins sold approximately 150 million records, first as a member of Genesis and later as a solo artist. His distinctive voice and innovative drumming style helped define the sound of 1980s pop and rock music, influencing countless musicians who followed.
Collins is the father of five children, including actress Lily Collins. As he turns 75 on January 30, Collins continues to navigate his health challenges.
The final episode of the BBC Eras podcast featuring Collins will air on January 26, offering fans what may be one of their last extensive interviews with the legendary musician.